Malaysians to Pay 10 Times More for Hard Liquor as Govt Raises Tax in December

Guys, I’m afraid we’re gonna have to spend more on our drinks in the near future. *Sobs*

Our beloved government has decided to raise the price of compounded hard liquor by boosting the tax in order to reduce the consumption of cheap liquor among Malaysians, as reported by FMT.

In case you’re not familiar with it, (cheap) hard liquor typically contains 20 to 42 percent alcohol and is easily available at sundry stores or grocery outlets. Some can even cost as low as RM2 per bottle! Cheap cheap! 

Since it’s cheap and widely available, many poor, young or even students have easy access to it, which contributes to social problems and deterioration of their health, according to the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).

As such, Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam has announced the age limit to buy alcohol will be raised from 18 to 21 effective 1 December 2017. This is to prevent students from consuming alcohol.

Those who are caught breaking the rules will face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or jail of up to two years.

“Compounded hard liquor sold in coffee shops, medicine halls and sundry outlets will no longer be available cheap. These drinks can only be sold in 700ml bottles and with the increase in tax, a drink which can now be purchased for RM5 will become RM50,” Dr Subramaniam said.

How much is the tax increment?! Guess I’ll just stick to plain water on the rocks then.

“We found that cheap liquor has caused social issues, particularly in the poor and low income category. There are cases of people sleeping and lying on the streets due to excessive consumption of alcohol. That is why we need to initiate measures to tackle it,” he added.

Regardless of the price hike after tax, alcohol should be consumed moderately and responsibly, as too much of it will wreak havoc to your body. Be kind to your liver guys! 

Also read: Here’s the Ugly Truth Why Asians Turn Red from Drinking Alcohol